Awe and Wonder Podcast: AAC & AT

S7 E5: Early Intervention Featuring Deann Wells

From stay-at-home mom to special education expert, hear how one mother's journey with her daughter, who has CHARGE syndrome, sparked a 21-year career. We delve into her experience as a Speech Therapy Assistant, her Masters in Special Education (Visually Impaired), and her work with children 0-3 and preschool at the Arizona State School for the Deaf and Blind.
 
Resources:
CHARGE Syndrome: https://www.chargesyndrome.org/overview/
State Deafblind Projects: https://www.nationaldb.org/state-deaf-blind-projects/
Remove.bg image background removal: https://www.remove.bg/
Oregon Project for Preschool Children Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired: https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/the-oregon-project-for-preschool-children-who-are-blind-or-visually-impaired/
 

S7 E4: Early Intervention Featuring Cass Griffin Bennett

Tune in for a conversation with Cass, a passionate advocate for equity and early access to robust high-tech AAC. As an autistic and ADHD mom of autistic children, she champions neuroaffirming approaches. We explore her personal experiences with AT in early intervention and her dedication to empowering families with the tools they need to thrive.

S7 E3 Early Intervention Featuring Ryan Guzman

Ryan joins us to share her journey in early intervention and inclusive education. With a wealth of experience from preschool classrooms to Washington's Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), she's dedicated to ensuring all children thrive. Learn about her impactful work with the Preschool Inclusion Champions Network and her insights on the power of collaboration and assistive technology.

S7 E2: Early Intervention Featuring Shari Sayan

As a speech-language pathologist with 20 years of experience, specializing in early intervention, and a device representative for PRC-Saltillo, Shari brings a unique perspective. Hear her personal story of navigating her own children's communication journeys – the struggle of getting a device for her 8-year-old, and her youngest daughter who began using AAC at just 13 months. Discover how her professional expertise and lived experience intersect, offering invaluable insights for parents and professionals alike.

S7 E1: Early Intervention Featuring Rebecca Gilman, Mimi Pruniski & Jillian Salasek

Join us as Rebecca shares her journey after her daughter Maeve's diagnosis of Joubert syndrome at just four months old. Discover how occupational therapist Mimi and cTVI Jillian stepped in, working alongside Rebecca to find and implement crucial assistive technology, opening up a world of communication and access for Maeve.

S6 E8: More Leaders and Changemakers Feat Tara Petterson & Shelly Frappier, Roots2Wings Family Group

Tara and Shelly, a parent and educator team, founded Roots2Wings Family Group to support families of children with disabilities across Washington state. Their organization bridges a crucial gap by offering online training sessions and coordinating in-person events where parents can connect with multiple agencies under one roof to access essential resources and information.
Acronyms used: ABA: Applied Behavior Analysis DDA: Developmental Disabilities Administration
Resources:
Roots2Wings website: https://sites.google.com/view/roots2wings/home
Academy for Precision Learning: https://www.aplschool.org/
WA State Transition Services ages 16-21: https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/special-education/family-engagement-and-guidance/transition-services-ages-16-21

S6 E7: More Leaders and Changemakers Featuring Fran McCarthy

Fran McCarthy has dedicated her career to championing students' needs in education. Her recent role as Executive Director of Student Support Services at Northwest Washington Educational Service District reflects her commitment to student advocacy. She is particularly passionate about fostering inclusive educational environments, implementing Universal Design for Learning principles, and developing project-based learning opportunities for students with disabilities and those principles are highlighted throughout this episode.
Resources:
TIES Center 5-15-45 Tool: https://tiescenter.org/resource/dl24-the-5-15-45-tool-grab-a-partner-and-lets-collaborate
Assistive Technology in the IEP: Writing Strength-Based IEPs
Washington State Educational Service Districts: https://ospi.k12.wa.us/about-ospi/about-school-districts/educational-service-districts-esd
Washington AIMS project (MTSS) https://goodladinstitute.org/aims/

S6 E6: More Leaders and Changemakers Featuring Don Johnston

Don Johnston, who founded and leads Building Wings as CEO, developed his company to create educational technology and curriculum specifically designed for students with disabilities. Drawing from his personal journey with dyslexia, including his own delayed path to reading proficiency, Don openly discusses how he overcame learning challenges through key support systems. His experiences inform his passionate advocacy for maintaining high expectations for all students, as he credits this approach as crucial for academic achievement.
Resources:
Building Wings: https://www.buildingwings.com/
Monarch Reader: https://www.buildingwings.com/monarch-reader-books-for-beginning-readers-of-all-ages/ 
News Currents: https://www.buildingwings.com/news-currents/
Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM): https://dynamiclearningmaps.org/
Tiered Vocabulary: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/news-press/tiered-vocabulary-narrowing-your-instructional-focus

S6 E5: More Leaders & Changemakers featuring Amy Campbell

Amy is a special education teacher from WA State, who was the 2020 Teacher of the Year award recipient and is also involved in the Professional Educator Standards Board and the WA Inclusionary Practice Technical Network. In this episode, Amy discusses her roles and experiences in special education, with a focus on the importance of collaboration, inclusion, and individualization. The potential of technology is also explored, such as artificial intelligence in education. Listen in to hear Amy express her passion for her work and her commitment to continuous learning and innovation with a focus on positive presuppositions.
Resources: Inclusionary Practices Technical Assistance Network (ITPN): https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/support-programs/inclusionary-practices-technical-assistance-network-iptn WEA Inclusion Training: https://wea-win.org/events/500/ Professional Educator Standards Board: https://www.pesb.wa.gov/

S6 E4: More Leaders and Changemakers Featuring Gail Van Tatenhove

Throughout her career spanning more than 40 years, Gail Van Tatenhove has dedicated herself to working with AAC users although her connection to people with disabilities began in her youth, when she helped at her father's business.  In this episode she emphasizes several core beliefs that guide her work including: using your intuition, making the most of available resources, avoiding excuses, and it’s all about the words- robust, frequently used words. Listen in to hear more!